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Tuesday, August 16, 2011

I am celebrating a 5th anniversary! Not a wedding anniverary (that will be number 48 this year). This is a celebration of sight. Five years ago I had two cornea transplants that changed my vision and my life forever. In late 2005, I was diagnosed with a degenerative corneal disease, Fuch's Corneal Dystrophy. Changes came quickly. Within a few months, my vision became so poor that I was advised to have transplant surgery on both eyes. In May 2006, I received the gift of a donor cornea for my left eye. Two months later, the procedure was repeated for my right eye. I recovered quickly from both surgeries, and receive follow up exams and testing every 6 months.

Yesterday was one of those medical appointments. Afterward, I drove myself to another appointment, read a book while I was waiting there, joined the heavy freeway traffic on my way home, and picked up my mail to read when I got there. I saw a hummingbird at the feeder by my kitchen window while I was preparing our dinner. I finished blogging for my other two blogs http://www.stonesandfeathers.wordpress.com/ and http://www.kitchenkeepers.blogspot.com/. I read the thermometer when I took my husband's temperature. Every single one of the things I just wrote about was possible because of two donor families who said yes to organ donation. Because of 2 complete strangers and their families, the skill of a dedicated doctor, and Grace, I can see.
Yes, I am celebrating! I am thankful.

These words are dedicated to awareness of organ donation and to vision research.

About Me

I have always loved books, reading them, handling them, turning the pages, inhaling the book smell. It was a natural progression from loving the printed words to loving to write them, so I have written poetry, short pieces, family story, and faith ponders for many years. In 2006 due to rapidly deteriorating vision, I received 2 cornea transplants for which I am endlessly grateful.